India, Nov. 28 -- You must've tried the quick fix of dipping your feet in cold water to reduce swelling and hot water to soften skin, but did you know you can do both at the same time, one after another? Well, this is actually a popular wellness ritual called contrast therapy or hot-cold immersion therapy. With over 72k posts and reels tagged #contrasttherapy on Instagram, the term is currently trending due to seasonal changes. But is it worth it? According to Dr Amit Pandey (PT), Head of Department, Physiotherapy, Asian Hospital, contrast therapy is a treatment that boosts blood circulation, reduces pain and swelling, and promotes faster healing. It can be done with a 10-minute hot immersion followed by a 1-minute cold immersion, repeating this cycle for 15-30 minutes. "It is not for everyone. It is not recommended for people with low blood pressure, Raynaud's disease, or certain heart issues unless under medical supervision," says Dr Amit. Speaking of the risks involved, Dr Amit says, overheated water can cause scalding burns, increased bleeding if the incision has internal or external blood vessel ruptures, and severe nerve pain brought on by exposure to cold in individuals with peripheral neuropathy. People with peripheral vascular disease experience more pain when exposed to the cold. Dr Lakshay Bhaktiani (PT), Head Physiotherapy, PSRI Hospital, says that he finds this therapy most useful when swelling, stiffness and pain coexist. "It can be helpful in acute injuries such as mild ankle sprains or muscle strains, especially after the initial 48-72 hours... In chronic pain conditions, this therapy provides relief by improving circulation and reducing residual swelling," he adds....